Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has exceeded expectations since joining West Bromwich Albion on loan during the winter transfer window.
Despite being on the fringes at Parkhead, the Republic of Ireland international has hit a rich vein of form at the Hawthorns, registering seven goals and a solitary assist in 15 appearances [Transfermarkt].
Last week, the 24-year-old’s temporary agreement time south of the border continued to go from strength to strength in the West Midlands as he picked up the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award for March.
Naturally, there have been questions from some regarding his future role at Celtic, which Brendan Rodgers didn’t shy away from answering in his pre-match press conference before our 3-0 victory over St Mirren last week.
Rodgers stated: “He’s one of the best talents to come out of the academy. He’s quick, he’s direct and he can score goals. For him to go there and get that award – with some outstanding players in the Championship – it shows you how well he’s done.
“Hopefully, he can continue with that and come back to Celtic in the summer and be really energised again and full of confidence and be ready to make an impact.”
With West Brom in contention for a playoff place, several career avenues could present themselves for Johnston in the upcoming transfer window as visibility surrounding his attributes multiplies.
Tam McManus floats Mikey Johnston Celtic windfall theory
Looking at Rodgers’ comments, it does appear he has opened the door for Johnston to return to Parkhead and make an impression next season.
Nevertheless, striking while the iron is hot may be Celtic’s best option in this regard, given that the Irishman’s stock is the highest it has been in a long time looking towards the window.
Speaking to PLZ Soccer, pundit Tam McManus has speculated that Celtic could land a fee as large as £10 million for his services owing to his goal spurt at the Baggies.
He stated: “A lot of Celtic supporters were quite happy he left. I don’t think they rated him the majority of the Celtic support. I think he struggled at times to deal with the size of the club and expectations.
“I think he went down there as an unknown quantity. Down there, he’s been brilliant for West Brom. He’s enjoying his football, and there’s less pressure on him, Celtic will be happy.
“If he keeps playing the way he is between now and the end of the season, West Brom are in the playoffs; if they go to the Premier League, they might pay £10 million for him.
“Celtic would have been quite happy to take a couple of million for him. If West Brom get promoted and he’s flying, Celtic will demand a big, big fee for him, and I didn’t think that was possible until he went down there.”
Celtic could demand a healthy fee for Mikey Johnston
Undoubtedly, demanding a sum of £10 million would be a tad ambitious of Celtic, though there is scope to negotiate a financially advantageous deal amid his exploits at West Brom.
Rodgers may decide to re-integrate him into the first team; however, competition for places isn’t what Johnston needs at this stage in his career, given he turns 25 this week.
Celtic should look to sell Johnston for the good of his career and take advantage of his excellent spell at the Hawthorns.